Papal Retrospective : The Blessed John Paul I (1978)

Pope John Paul I Aug-Sept 1978.

On 26th August, 1978, ALBINO LUCIANI, Cardinal-Patriarch of Venice, was elected Pope by 111 members of the College of Cardinals and took a new Papal name in tribute to his immediate predecessors: John Paul.  His election had not been expected.

Outside of Italy, no one much had heard of Cardinal Luciani, but when he emerged on the balcony of Saint Peter's with that kindly smile, the world stopped and watched.  

The writer of these lines, as a schoolboy, vividly remembers that moment of happiness and excitement and then - a month later - how painful and shocking it was to learn that this gentle, fatherly figure had suddenly died.

Albino Luciani was born in humble circumstances in a village within the Diocese of Belluno (Northern Italy) on 17th October 1912. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Belluno in 1935 and was immediately selected for further studies, whilst teaching in the Diocesan Seminary. Father Luciani was consecrated bishop of Vittorio Venuto in 1958 by Pope John XXIII and appointed Patriarch of Venice in 1969.  In 1973 was elevated to the Sacred College by Pope Paul VI.

On 4th September, 2022, the late Bishop of Rome declared John Paul I to be among the "Blessed" during Mass in Saint Peter's Square. 

Pope John Paul is remembered in two significant ways: firstly, because his reign is among the briefest in Papal history, certainly the briefest in modern history. But he is also remembered as God's Smile having won over the world with his natural smile.  John Paul I was the first Pope to be born in the 20th century and the last Pope to die in it.  He died after only 33 days in office on 28th September, 1978 at the age of 65, and was buried in the crypt of Saint Peter's Basilica.

A useful summary of his life may be found here.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Consecration of bishops by Pope John XXIII at the Altar of the Chair
in Saint Peter's, December 1958.
Albino Luciano is the fifth gold-mitred bishop from the left, with head bowed.

Cardinal Luciani receiving the biretta from Pope Paul March 1973.

During a visit to Venice in 1973, Pope Paul VI in a symbolic gesture
placed his Papal Stole around the shoulders of Cardinal Luciani.

Cardinals Pericle Felici and Albino Luciani in the Vatican
after the death of Pope Paul VI, August 1978.

The Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel for the August 1978 Conclave.
In the centre of the photograph can be seen Cardinal Ratzinger.

A smiling John Paul I greeting the Faithful in S' Peter's Square.

Cardinal Felici, Cardinal Proto-deacon, placing the Pallium around the shoulders
of Pope John Paul I at the Mass inaugurating his Pontificate
3rd September, 1978.

The Homage of Cardinal Ratzinger  at the Mass inaugurating the Pontificate
of Pope John Paul I,  3rd September, 1978.

John Paul I being carried on the sede gestatoria into the Lateran Basilica
which he took possession of as Bishop of Rome on 23rd September, 1978.
The familiar mitre was used frequently in the early years of the Pontificate
of John Paul II, but had belonged to Pope Paul VI.

John Paul I celebrating Mass in the Lateran Basilica
which he took possession of as Bishop of Rome on 23rd September, 1978.

The mortal remains of Pope John Paul I
lying in state in S' Peter's Basilica.

An occasion of sadness and poignancy: the funeral of Pope John Paul I
in S' Peter's Square 4th October, 1978.

Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul I

AMDG

Next post : Pope John Paul II